AFZAL HUSSAIN FAUJI/Nainital
While some people marked Mother’s Day with outings and shopping, many women went through another day of hard work to sustain their families. One such woman, Raghuli Devi (66) set up her momo stall as usual in Nainital. Her stall not only provides the popular dish but also exemplifies the courage, struggles and responsibilities of a mother who faces challenges without losing heart.
A native of Almora, she has been staying in Nainital for about two decades now. She and her husband Mohan Ram made hard work the strength of their lives. They began setting up the momo stall here about 13 years ago. The stall gradually became the family’s source of livelihood as the couples worked from morning till evening to build a future for their children. Her husband died about a year ago due to an illness. Having lost her main support in life, Raghuli Devi did not lose heart despite the economic hardships facing the family. Instead of shutting down her shop, she continued the business and took the responsibility of the family upon herself. She wakes up early in the morning irrespective of the weather and prepares momos while also setting up her stall for the day’s business. She may be aged but her courage and determination remain youthful. Whether it be cold, rainy or crowded, she appears busy working at her stall irrespective of the situation. She said that she has a son Jagannath, who works at a restaurant in Nainital. Her family also comprises a daughter in-law and four grandchildren. Raghuli Devi’s hard work plays a major role in sustaining the family. Her family members also help her out at her stall. The locals consider her to be not just a seller of momos but also an example of struggle and self-reliance. Many frequent her stall to eat the momos and also encourage her.
